This Tasting Pack is a tribute to Dr. Sylvius and a wonderful drink called Gin. It is believed that Jenever (or Gin) was invented by a Dutch chemist and alchemist Dr. Franciscus Sylvius (1614-1672). As with many other spirits, Gin was originally intended to be used as a medicine—to battle malaria. Although several different styles have evolved since the beginning, the main component still remains Juniper berry.

In the first half of the 18th century the consumption of Gin increased rapidly in Great Britain, especially in London. The city had a virtual epidemic of extreme drunkenness. This provoked legislative backlash and moral outrage which was llustrated by William Hogarth in his famous engravings "Beer Street and Gin Lane" from 1751.

As time passed Gin slowly regained its reputation. Today it is a popular base spirit for many classic mixed drinks—including the Martini.

SmartAss Corner:

1) Hardcore Gin lovers say the word Martini should never be preceded by vodka, lobster or pomegranate. They say the original and only real Martini consists of Gin, vermouth & olives, period!

2) But Churchill went even further; here is his famous Churchill's Martini Recipe: Shake gin in a cocktail shaker with cracked ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and look at the vermouth bottle on the other side of the room. Garnish with olive.

3) Juniper Is Still Picked Wild. Tey are usually picked wild by independent workers throughout Europe, and sold via distributors to the gin makers of the world.

4) London dry gin is not always from London. Gin does not have the same geographical restrictions as spirits such as cognac, scotch or tequila. Only a tiny handful of London dry gins are actually made in the city.

The Flavor Spiral™ is a quick, clear and visually-appealing way to look at the drink's flavor DNA.

It's tasting notes reinvented. The Flavor Spiral™ is a unique and revolutionary way of describing flavors. It was developed by Flaviar tasting panel, industry experts, and You, our dear Flaviar community member.

Your favourite drinks like never before. It could easily be an art form, but that's a conversation for another day.

Dog Dogson's

Smartass Corner

Hardcore Gin lovers say the word Martini should never be preceded by vodka, lobster or pomegranate. They say the original and only real Martini consists of Gin, vermouth & olives, period!